---
kind: "section"
citation: "39 C.F.R. § 962.15"
title: "39"
number: "962.15"
heading: "(Rule 15) Sanctions."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/39/962.15"
---

# §962.15. (Rule 15) Sanctions.

- (a) The Presiding Officer may sanction a person, including any party or representative, for:
  - (1) Failing to comply with a lawful order or prescribed procedure;
  - (2) Failing to prosecute or defend an action; or
  - (3) **Engaging in other misconduct that interferes with the speedy, orderly, or fair conduct of the hearing.**
- (b) Any sanction, including but not limited to those listed in [paragraphs (c) through (e)](#c..e) of this section, must reasonably relate to the severity and nature of the failure or misconduct.
- (c) When a party fails to comply with an order, including an order for taking a deposition, the production of evidence within the party's control, or a request for admission, the Presiding Officer may:
  - (1) Draw an inference about the information sought in favor of the requesting party;
  - (2) Prohibit a party from introducing evidence concerning, or otherwise relying on, testimony relating to the information sought;
  - (3) Permit the requesting party to introduce secondary evidence concerning the information sought; and
  - (4) Strike any part of the pleadings or other submissions of the party failing to comply with such request.
- (d) If a party fails to prosecute or defend an action commenced by service of a Complaint, the Presiding Officer may dismiss the action or enter an order of default.
- (e) The Presiding Officer may refuse to consider any motion or other pleading, report, or response that is not filed in a timely fashion.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 31 U.S.C. 3801-12; 39 U.S.C. 401; 5 U.S.C. 554.

### Source

Source: 90 FR 33272, July 17, 2025, unless otherwise noted.